Long Beach Offers Free Measles Shots at Health Office, 3 Schools

LONG BEACH — To offset a measles outbreak, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is offering free immunizations at its main office and in public schools.

Through Oct. 31, the department reported 161 measles cases, compared to 100 cases for all of last year, according to Nancy Lewis, nursing services officer.

Earlier this year, the City Council declared a measles and tuberculosis emergency. Following the council's declaration, the health department applied for and received emergency funding from the state, Lewis said. Backed by a six-month, $29,891 grant, health officials set out to offer free immunization clinics in minority neighborhoods where the highest number of cases has been reported.

The shots are offered Mondays between 3 and 6 p.m. at 2655 Pine Ave. Immunizations also will be offered at the same times Wednesday at Edison Elementary School, 625 Maine Ave.; Dec. 12 at Willard Elementary School, 1055 Freeman Ave.; and Dec. 19 at Washington Middle School, 1450 Cedar Ave.